Charles Roper Jeter

Charles Roper Jeter, 82, passed away on February 3, 2025, due to myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a blood cancer. Born on March 1, 1942, Charles was the son of Clarence Augustus (Gus) Jeter, Jr., a rural mail carrier and farmer, and Margaret Frances (Sis) Roper Jeter Gilliam, a dedicated teacher. He grew up in Carlisle, South Carolina. He graduated from Union High School in 1959 before pursuing his passion for science at Clemson University, where he studied chemistry and biology and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1963. After college, Charles served his country in the U.S. Army.

On January 27, 1968, Charles married Helen Marie Bohlen Jeter, and they began their life together in Columbia, South Carolina. Charles worked for the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), while Helen worked as a nurse and a professor of nursing. Their loving 46-year marriage was built on family and shared memories. Helen passed away in 2014 after her own journey with cancer. Together, they raised three children and cherished their eight grandchildren.

In 1971, Charles earned a Master of Science degree in Environmental Systems Engineering from Clemson University. He built a remarkable career at DHEC, holding key roles such as Director of South Carolina's Industrial and Agricultural Wastewater Division and Chief of Wastewater and Stream Quality Control. From 1979 to 1980, he also served as national president of the Association of State and Interstate Water Pollution Control Administrators.

In 1981, President Ronald Reagan appointed Charles as the Southeast Regional Administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a role confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Relocating his family to Norcross, Georgia, Charles managed environmental protection efforts across eight states. After four years in this role, he then served as EPA's Director of Ecological Programs.

In 1986, Charles transitioned to the private sector, joining RMT, Inc.'s environmental business unit. The family moved to Greenville, South Carolina, where Charles worked as Corporate Vice President until his retirement in 2008. His expertise in environmental services and pollution control earned him widespread respect. In 1989, he was honored with the William T. Linton Service Award by the South Carolina Water and Pollution Control Association for his outstanding service, leadership, and dedication to preserving and protecting the state's water resources.

Charles was a devoted husband, father, son, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He had a passion for fishing, telling fishing stories, and sharing pictures from his fishing trips. He could often be found fishing on the family's private pond in Carlisle or at any beach, lake, river, or ocean. His joy for the outdoors extended to beach trips, mountain drives, walks in the woods, and visits to national parks. A loyal Clemson football fan, Charles cheered for the Tigers every season, regardless of their record. He also cherished the companionship of his dogs, including his beloved shih tzu, Buddy.

Charles leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication to his family. He is survived by his three children, their spouses, and his eight grandchildren: daughter Sheldon (Leigh) Jeter of Glenview, Illinois, her husband Daniel (Dan) Joseph Neppl, and their children Helen Elizabeth Neppl and Gregson (Greg) Joseph Neppl; daughter Elizabeth (Beth) Jeter Hrubala of Spartanburg, her husband Michael (Mike) Andrew Hrubala, and their children Michael Andrew (Drew) Hrubala Jr., Courtney Elizabeth Hrubala, and David Jeter Hrubala; and son Charles Roper Jeter Jr. of Huntersville, North Carolina, his wife Jennifer Marie Cox Jeter, and their children Caroline Marie Jeter, Elizabeth Leigh (Ellie) Jeter, and Charles (Charlie) Roper Jeter III. Charles is also survived by his brother Sheldon Moseley Jeter, his wife Jane, and their son Jeff.

Charles was preceded in death by his wife Helen, his parents Gus and Sis, and his brother Clarence Augustus (Gus) Jeter III.

Charles will be deeply missed by all who knew him and will forever be remembered for his unwavering love, his dedication to protecting the environment, and his passion for life's simple joys.

The family will receive friends and family on Thursday, February 6 from 6pm-8pm at the S.R. Holcombe Funeral Chapel at 310 W. South Street, Union, SC. Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 7 at 11am at the Jeter Chapel and a burial service with military honors will follow at the Jeter Cemetery. Both the Chapel and Cemetery are located at 1 Jeter Cemetery Loop, Carlisle, SC.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Clemson University-Class of 1963 Bridge to Clemson program at www.clemson.edu/giving, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (in memory of Charles Jeter) at www.lls.org, or the Jeter Cemetery at PO Box 417, Carlisle, South Carolina 29031.